By Steve Crowe · 1 May, 2017 •
Montreal-based AI startup Lyrebird has created voice imitation technology that can "copy the voice of anyone" after listening to just 60 seconds of audio. Lyrebird wants to use the technology for good reasons, but it's easy to imagine the technology being used to create false recordings of people.

By RT Staff · 28 April, 2017 •
Just as PCs and smartphones have become more powerful at a lower cost, next-generation robots are destined for the same path. Increased processing power will be a main driver in mass adoption of robotics, and chip giant Intel is hoping to be at the center of the movement with its Joule development platform.

By Tim Hornyak · 13 April, 2017 •
Toyota will commercialize in Japan the Welwalk WW-1000 rehabilitation assist robotic system that helps stroke victims get back on their feet and walking again. Toyota plans to rent 100 units to Japanese medical centers beginning in September. There will be a set up cost of 1 million yen ($9,173) and a monthly fee of 350,000 yen ($3,210).

By Steve Crowe · 11 April, 2017 •
Honda is bringing its robot lawn mowers to backyards in the United States starting in June 2017. Honda introduced two Miimo robot lawn mowers that will be available at select dealerships nationwide, excluding California.

By Steve Crowe · 24 March, 2017 •
The Rudy assistive robot from INF Robotics wants to help the elderly, war veterans and people with disabilities age in place. Rudy will cost $5,000 when it hits the market in 2017, but the company hopes to get reimbursement through Medicare and Medicaid so the robot "will be little to no cost to the user."

By Tim Hornyak · 22 March, 2017 •
Androidol U is a new life-like female android developed by Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro. Androidol U is a fully autonomous conversational robot that has a more compact air servo system, better voice and body movement coordination and softer body materials compared to previous androids.

By Steve Crowe · 17 March, 2017 •
Niryo One is an open-source, 6-axis robotic arm for makers that can be powered by Arduino, Raspberry Pi and ROS. The Niryo One wants to make robotics accessible for everyone with a low cost and user-friendly experience.

By Steve Crowe · 16 March, 2017 •
Neato Robotics Botvac Connected Series robot vacuums can now be controlled with Google Home. Not only can you use your voice and Google's virtual assistant to start, stop and pause robot vacuums, you can schedule cleanings, check the vacuum's battery level and more.

By Steve Crowe · 15 March, 2017 •
Starting in Q2 2017, iRobot will include Amazon Alexa voice control on any WiFi-enabled Roomba robot vacuum in the United States. The Alexa voice control will allow users to start, stop and pause their Roomba 960 or Roomba 980 by simply speaking to an Alexa-enabled device, such as the Amazon Echo or Amazon Echo Dot.

By Steve Crowe · 21 February, 2017 •
Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have developed a tiny 3D-printed camera lens that allows for speedier image processing. This lens could help drones, robots and self-driving cars see better.